ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The sixth quarterback selected in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/nfl-draft-2024-updates">2024 NFL draft</a>&nbsp;was No. 1 in the Denver Broncos' eyes.

The Broncos bypassed a bevy of blue-chip defenders to draft former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th pick Thursday night.

“He stood out in a lot of areas,” coach Sean Payton said. “His arm strength, we saw it at his pro day, but then even in the private workout was very good. And he’s super smart.”

Denver has churned through 13 starting quarterbacks since Peyton Manning retired as a Super Bowl champion following the 2015 season. None of the signal-callers who have followed him has been able to lead Denver back to the playoffs.

Their eight-year playoff drought is exacerbated by seven straight losing seasons and watching Patrick Mahomes lead division rival Kansas City to three Super Bowl parades in five years, including the past two.

There was plenty of speculation the Broncos would have to move up to get in on the quarterback run, but they've already unloaded three first-round draft picks since 2022, including two in the Russell Wilson trade that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-broncos-sean-payton-nfl-draft-2605ee521f58b7d3ebb1d2e4647c4578">didn't work out</a>.

Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye went 1-2-3 as expected, and when the New York Giants bypassed a QB at No. 6, Payton felt good about the three QB-needy teams — Minnesota, Denver and Las Vegas — all being set to get their man.

Then, the Atlanta Falcons pulled off the stunner of Round 1, selecting Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 even though they just signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.

“New York would have been the surprise team and if New York took a quarterback, then there's three waiting for two,” Payton said. “And so once New York cleared, I'm sure every team we're talking about felt like all right. And then Atlanta takes a quarterback and that's the fun part about this draft. You can't dive into everyone's draft room to know how they feel about someone.”

The Falcons' move threw teams for a loop and the Broncos sweated it out when the Vikings swapped the No. 11 pick for the New York Jets' 10th overall selection. They exhaled when the Vikings took QB J.J. McCarthy and the Jets took an offensive tackle.

"We could have moved a couple of picks back and maybe gotten a couple of picks,” general manager George Paton said. “But at the end of the day, 'This was our guy. Let's just take him. Let's not overthink it.' And we would have been sick if we lost him just for, you know, a couple of fifth-round picks or what have you.”

So, ultimately, the Broncos stood pat and didn't have to part with any picks to get the quarterback they wanted, one whom Payton acknowledged was “bigger than I thought he was” at 6-foot-2 and 217 pounds.

Half of the top dozen selections were quarterbacks for the first time ever.

“I wasn't shocked. I think the six of us, we're all capable of playing at the next level,” Nix said. “It's going to be fun to watch everybody and see how they develop. I wasn't shocked at all because I think this class of quarterbacks was very strong.”

Nix joins a quarterback room that includes newly acquired&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-broncos-zach-wilson-0f36a1ec7cd75358ccdd7d51f19791ee">Zach Wilson</a>, whom the Broncos traded for Monday after the 2021 second overall pick had three disappointing seasons with the New York Jets.

Also on the roster is Jarrett Stidham, who split his two starts last season after coach Sean Payton benched Russell Wilson, and Ben DiNucci.

“They're all going to compete,” Payton said. “Bill (Parcells) taught me a long time ago, let's just let them play and we've got to maximize the reps that we have and let them develop, and that stuff will sort itself out."

“Well, I know everybody has to compete, I know everybody has to go to work,” Nix said. “We haven't had any conversations thus far past draft prep. But I just can't wait to get around the locker room, I can't wait to get around the guys, meet all my new teammates, meet coaches and get to work.”

Russell Wilson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but remains the highest-paid player on Denver's roster because the Broncos will pay $37.79 million of his $39 million salary in 2024. That's on top of the $85 million in dead cap charges they'll absorb over the next two years.

After three solid seasons at Auburn, Nix had two terrific seasons at Oregon, where he threw for 74 touchdowns with 10 interceptions and he completed almost 75% of his passes in 27 games.

Because he capitalized on the extra year the NCAA granted athletes because of the pandemic, Nix played in a whopping 61 college games.

Now he's ready to lead Denver out of its nearly decade-long doldrums.

He thanked the Broncos for “putting their beliefs in me.”

Nix is the first player the Broncos have selected in the first round since 2021, when they chose cornerback Patrick Surtain II with the ninth overall pick.

Story by Arnie Stapleton AP Pro Football Writer<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714133460248.jpeg" alt="Oregon quarterback Bo Nix looks to pass against Washington during the first half of the Pac-12 championship NCAA college football game Dec. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. The Denver Broncos drafted former Nix with the 12th pick in the NFL draft Thursday night, April 25, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Oregon quarterback Bo Nix looks to pass against Washington during the first half of the Pac-12 championship NCAA college football game Dec. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. The Denver Broncos drafted former Nix with the 12th pick in the NFL draft Thursday night, April 25, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The sixth quarterback selected in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/nfl-draft-2024-updates">2024 NFL draft</a>&nbsp;was No. 1 in the Denver Broncos' eyes.The Broncos bypassed a bevy of blue-chip defenders to draft former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th pick Thursday night.“He stood out in a lot of areas,” coach Sean Payton said. “His arm strength, we saw it at his pro day, but then even in the private workout was very good. And he’s super smart.”Denver has churned through 13 starting quarterbacks since Peyton Manning retired as a Super Bowl champion following the 2015 season. None of the signal-callers who have followed him has been able to lead Denver back to the playoffs.Their eight-year playoff drought is exacerbated by seven straight losing seasons and watching Patrick Mahomes lead division rival Kansas City to three Super Bowl parades in five years, including the past two.There was plenty of speculation the Broncos would have to move up to get in on the quarterback run, but they've already unloaded three first-round draft picks since 2022, including two in the Russell Wilson trade that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-broncos-sean-payton-nfl-draft-2605ee521f58b7d3ebb1d2e4647c4578">didn't work out</a>.Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye went 1-2-3 as expected, and when the New York Giants bypassed a QB at No. 6, Payton felt good about the three QB-needy teams — Minnesota, Denver and Las Vegas — all being set to get their man.Then, the Atlanta Falcons pulled off the stunner of Round 1, selecting Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 even though they just signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.“New York would have been the surprise team and if New York took a quarterback, then there's three waiting for two,” Payton said. “And so once New York cleared, I'm sure every team we're talking about felt like all right. And then Atlanta takes a quarterback and that's the fun part about this draft. You can't dive into everyone's draft room to know how they feel about someone.”The Falcons' move threw teams for a loop and the Broncos sweated it out when the Vikings swapped the No. 11 pick for the New York Jets' 10th overall selection. They exhaled when the Vikings took QB J.J. McCarthy and the Jets took an offensive tackle."We could have moved a couple of picks back and maybe gotten a couple of picks,” general manager George Paton said. “But at the end of the day, 'This was our guy. Let's just take him. Let's not overthink it.' And we would have been sick if we lost him just for, you know, a couple of fifth-round picks or what have you.”So, ultimately, the Broncos stood pat and didn't have to part with any picks to get the quarterback they wanted, one whom Payton acknowledged was “bigger than I thought he was” at 6-foot-2 and 217 pounds.Half of the top dozen selections were quarterbacks for the first time ever.“I wasn't shocked. I think the six of us, we're all capable of playing at the next level,” Nix said. “It's going to be fun to watch everybody and see how they develop. I wasn't shocked at all because I think this class of quarterbacks was very strong.”Nix joins a quarterback room that includes newly acquired&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-broncos-zach-wilson-0f36a1ec7cd75358ccdd7d51f19791ee">Zach Wilson</a>, whom the Broncos traded for Monday after the 2021 second overall pick had three disappointing seasons with the New York Jets.Also on the roster is Jarrett Stidham, who split his two starts last season after coach Sean Payton benched Russell Wilson, and Ben DiNucci.“They're all going to compete,” Payton said. “Bill (Parcells) taught me a long time ago, let's just let them play and we've got to maximize the reps that we have and let them develop, and that stuff will sort itself out."Nix knows that.“Well, I know everybody has to compete, I know everybody has to go to work,” Nix said. “We haven't had any conversations thus far past draft prep. But I just can't wait to get around the locker room, I can't wait to get around the guys, meet all my new teammates, meet coaches and get to work.”Russell Wilson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but remains the highest-paid player on Denver's roster because the Broncos will pay $37.79 million of his $39 million salary in 2024. That's on top of the $85 million in dead cap charges they'll absorb over the next two years.After three solid seasons at Auburn, Nix had two terrific seasons at Oregon, where he threw for 74 touchdowns with 10 interceptions and he completed almost 75% of his passes in 27 games.Because he capitalized on the extra year the NCAA granted athletes because of the pandemic, Nix played in a whopping 61 college games.Now he's ready to lead Denver out of its nearly decade-long doldrums.He thanked the Broncos for “putting their beliefs in me.”Nix is the first player the Broncos have selected in the first round since 2021, when they chose cornerback Patrick Surtain II with the ninth overall pick.

Broncos select former Oregon QB Bo Nix with the 12th pick in the NFL draft

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Lincoln, Neb. | Hawks Field at Haymarket Park

Pitching: RHP Brett Sears (7-0, 1.58 ERA) vs. TBD

Radio: Huskers Radio Network, Huskers.com, Huskers App

Saturday, April 27 – 1:17 p.m. CT

Pitching: RHP Mason McConnaughey (4-3, 3.41 ERA) vs. TBD

Pitching: LHP Will Walsh (4-2, 4.97 ERA) vs. TBD

• All three games of this weekend’s series vs. Iowa can be seen on B1G+, while Saturday’s game will be broadcast on BTN with Shane Sparks and Jeff Leise on the call.

• Fans can also listen to Dave Gustafson and Ben McLaughlin call the action this weekend on the Huskers Radio Network.

• Every game this season can be heard for free on Huskers.com and the Official Nebraska Huskers App for both iOS and android devices.

• Through 49 all-time meetings, the Hawkeyes hold a slim 26-23 advantage over the Huskers in the all-time series.

• Iowa swept the three-game series over the Big Red last season in Iowa City.

• In their last meeting in Lincoln, the Hawkeyes took two of three games from the Huskers, including Garrett Anglim’s three-homer game in Nebraska’s 12-1 run-rule victory over Iowa.

Middle-Third Production Boosting the Big Red

• Nebraska has been successful the second time through the lineup on the mound and in the batter’s box, outscoring opponents 114-49 in the middle-third innings this season.

• The Huskers hold a 45-16 advantage in the fourth inning, while outscoring opponents 28-14 in the fifth inning and 41-19 in the sixth inning.

• The Husker offense is hitting .311 at the plate with 54 extra-base hits and 107 RBI in the fourth through sixth innings, while the NU pitching staff is limiting opponents to a .234 hitting clip and a 3.47 ERA in the middle-third innings.

• The Westphalia, Iowa, native allowed just three runs on seven hits to Maryland across seven innings last Friday, notching his ninth consecutive quality start for the Huskers.

• The nine consecutive quality starts are the most by a Nebraska hurler since at least 1999, and the longest active streak by any starting pitcher in Division I.

• The right-hander has punched out 68 batters with only 12 walks, posting a 5.7 strikeout-to-walk ratio over that span, which ranks second in the Big Ten behind teammate Will Walsh (6.0).

• Sears has allowed four-or-fewer hits in seven of his 10 outings, as opponents are hitting just .155 (37-for-239) against the senior.

• Ben Columbus has seen his offensive production begin to take shape since the first week of April.

• After just five hits in Nebraska’s first 29 games this season, Columbus has hit 13-of-30 (.433) at the plate with a double, four home runs, 12 RBI and eight runs scored. The double and four homers are all of his extra-base hits this season and his first four career homers with the Big Red.

Brumbaugh Sets the Tone in Leadoff Spot

• Cayden Brumbaugh is hitting .345 in the leadoff spot with 14 extra-base hits and 18 RBI, recording knocks in nine of his last 12 games.

• The Edmond, Okla., native posted a pair of three-hit games against the Terrapins last weekend, and over his last four games has gone 8-for-18 (.444) with four doubles and seven RBI.

• Brumbaugh’s 39 hits are the second most on the Huskers this season, while the sophomore’s 13 multi-hit games lead the Big Red.

Stone’s Strong Impact in Return to NU Lineup

• Tyler Stone is hitting .337 for the Huskers with six doubles, six home runs and 23 RBI, recording knocks in six of his last seven games.

• The Scottsdale, Ariz., native has posted back-to-back three-hit games against Maryland and Kansas, and over his last seven games is 10-for- 21 (.476) with a pair of home runs and six RBI.

• At home, Stone is batting .390 (16-for-41) with an OPS of 1.029, including hits in 13 of Nebraska’s 17 home games this season.

Sanderson Finds Success Throughout NU Lineup

• Freshman Case Sanderson is hitting .348 at the plate and has found success throughout the lineup for the Huskers, appearing in seven different spots in the lineup for the NU offense.

• The freshman is 17th nationally with a .521 on-base percentage and has totaled a double, a triple, two homers, 13 RBI and 17 runs scored this season.

• The freshman has hit .333 or better in six of the seven spots he’s appeared in this season, while seeing most of his action in the leadoff spot with 18 at-bats.

• Cole Evans is hitting .280 with seven doubles, three home runs, and 32 RBI across 38 games, including 33 starts, while Rhett Stokes holds a .310 batting average with eight doubles and 10 RBI.

• Dylan Carey has hits in eight of his last nine games and leads the Big Red with 12 doubles, raising his batting average from .236 to .266.

• Garrett Anglim has posted knocks in four of his last five games, hitting .281 this season with five doubles, two homers and 20 RBI. Joshua Overbeek is batting .284 with five extra-base hits and 27 runs scored.

• Casey Daiss has a team-high four saves with a 1.80 ERA for the Huskers across 15.0 innings of work. Daiss has allowed just one earned run over his last 10 appearances dating back to the first weekend of the season vs. Oklahoma.

• Jalen Worthley is 2-0 with a 2.95 ERA and a trio of saves across a bullpen-high 21.1 innings, making a team-high seven multi-inning relief appearances for NU. The southpaw has punched out 17 batters while issuing just four walks.

• Kyle Perry’s 18 relief appearances lead all NU relievers as the senior is 1-1 with a career-high tying three saves. Rans Sanders has a 3.18 ERA across 11.1 innings and a pair of saves.

• Evan Borst is limiting opponents to a .139 batting average (5-for-36) this season, while posting 11 strikeouts over 10.2 innings of work.

• Kyle Froehlich has appeared in 11 games for the Huskers, punching out 12 batters across 11.2 innings, while Tucker Timmerman leads all Nebraska freshmen with 14 relief appearances.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsApril 26-28, 2024Lincoln, Neb. | Hawks Field at Haymarket ParkFriday, April 26 – 6:05 p.m. CTPitching: RHP Brett Sears (7-0, 1.58 ERA) vs. TBDTV/Streaming: B1G+Radio: Huskers Radio Network, Huskers.com, Huskers AppSaturday, April 27 – 1:17 p.m. CTPitching: RHP Mason McConnaughey (4-3, 3.41 ERA) vs. TBDTV/Streaming: BTNRadio: Huskers Radio Network, Huskers.com, Huskers AppSunday, April 28 – 1:05 p.m. CTPitching: LHP Will Walsh (4-2, 4.97 ERA) vs. TBDTV/Streaming: B1G+Radio: Huskers Radio Network, Huskers.com, Huskers AppFollow the Game• All three games of this weekend’s series vs. Iowa can be seen on B1G+, while Saturday’s game will be broadcast on BTN with Shane Sparks and Jeff Leise on the call.• Fans can also listen to Dave Gustafson and Ben McLaughlin call the action this weekend on the Huskers Radio Network.• Every game this season can be heard for free on Huskers.com and the Official Nebraska Huskers App for both iOS and android devices.Nebraska vs. Iowa• Through 49 all-time meetings, the Hawkeyes hold a slim 26-23 advantage over the Huskers in the all-time series.• Iowa swept the three-game series over the Big Red last season in Iowa City.• In their last meeting in Lincoln, the Hawkeyes took two of three games from the Huskers, including Garrett Anglim’s three-homer game in Nebraska’s 12-1 run-rule victory over Iowa.Middle-Third Production Boosting the Big Red• Nebraska has been successful the second time through the lineup on the mound and in the batter’s box, outscoring opponents 114-49 in the middle-third innings this season.• The Huskers hold a 45-16 advantage in the fourth inning, while outscoring opponents 28-14 in the fifth inning and 41-19 in the sixth inning.• The Husker offense is hitting .311 at the plate with 54 extra-base hits and 107 RBI in the fourth through sixth innings, while the NU pitching staff is limiting opponents to a .234 hitting clip and a 3.47 ERA in the middle-third innings.Sears With Quality Starts• The Westphalia, Iowa, native allowed just three runs on seven hits to Maryland across seven innings last Friday, notching his ninth consecutive quality start for the Huskers.• The nine consecutive quality starts are the most by a Nebraska hurler since at least 1999, and the longest active streak by any starting pitcher in Division I.• The right-hander has punched out 68 batters with only 12 walks, posting a 5.7 strikeout-to-walk ratio over that span, which ranks second in the Big Ten behind teammate Will Walsh (6.0).• Sears has allowed four-or-fewer hits in seven of his 10 outings, as opponents are hitting just .155 (37-for-239) against the senior.Columbus Heating Up at the Plate• Ben Columbus has seen his offensive production begin to take shape since the first week of April.• After just five hits in Nebraska’s first 29 games this season, Columbus has hit 13-of-30 (.433) at the plate with a double, four home runs, 12 RBI and eight runs scored. The double and four homers are all of his extra-base hits this season and his first four career homers with the Big Red.Brumbaugh Sets the Tone in Leadoff Spot• Cayden Brumbaugh is hitting .345 in the leadoff spot with 14 extra-base hits and 18 RBI, recording knocks in nine of his last 12 games.• The Edmond, Okla., native posted a pair of three-hit games against the Terrapins last weekend, and over his last four games has gone 8-for-18 (.444) with four doubles and seven RBI.• Brumbaugh’s 39 hits are the second most on the Huskers this season, while the sophomore’s 13 multi-hit games lead the Big Red.Stone’s Strong Impact in Return to NU Lineup• Tyler Stone is hitting .337 for the Huskers with six doubles, six home runs and 23 RBI, recording knocks in six of his last seven games.• The Scottsdale, Ariz., native has posted back-to-back three-hit games against Maryland and Kansas, and over his last seven games is 10-for- 21 (.476) with a pair of home runs and six RBI.• At home, Stone is batting .390 (16-for-41) with an OPS of 1.029, including hits in 13 of Nebraska’s 17 home games this season.Sanderson Finds Success Throughout NU Lineup• Freshman Case Sanderson is hitting .348 at the plate and has found success throughout the lineup for the Huskers, appearing in seven different spots in the lineup for the NU offense.• The freshman is 17th nationally with a .521 on-base percentage and has totaled a double, a triple, two homers, 13 RBI and 17 runs scored this season.• The freshman has hit .333 or better in six of the seven spots he’s appeared in this season, while seeing most of his action in the leadoff spot with 18 at-bats.Bats in the Nebraska Lineup• Cole Evans is hitting .280 with seven doubles, three home runs, and 32 RBI across 38 games, including 33 starts, while Rhett Stokes holds a .310 batting average with eight doubles and 10 RBI.• Dylan Carey has hits in eight of his last nine games and leads the Big Red with 12 doubles, raising his batting average from .236 to .266.• Garrett Anglim has posted knocks in four of his last five games, hitting .281 this season with five doubles, two homers and 20 RBI. Joshua Overbeek is batting .284 with five extra-base hits and 27 runs scored.Huskers in the Pen• Casey Daiss has a team-high four saves with a 1.80 ERA for the Huskers across 15.0 innings of work. Daiss has allowed just one earned run over his last 10 appearances dating back to the first weekend of the season vs. Oklahoma.• Jalen Worthley is 2-0 with a 2.95 ERA and a trio of saves across a bullpen-high 21.1 innings, making a team-high seven multi-inning relief appearances for NU. The southpaw has punched out 17 batters while issuing just four walks.• Kyle Perry’s 18 relief appearances lead all NU relievers as the senior is 1-1 with a career-high tying three saves. Rans Sanders has a 3.18 ERA across 11.1 innings and a pair of saves.• Evan Borst is limiting opponents to a .139 batting average (5-for-36) this season, while posting 11 strikeouts over 10.2 innings of work.• Kyle Froehlich has appeared in 11 games for the Huskers, punching out 12 batters across 11.2 innings, while Tucker Timmerman leads all Nebraska freshmen with 14 relief appearances.

Husker Baseball Vs. Iowa Preview & Notes

The Nebraska men’s tennis team (16-9, 5-4 Big Ten) is set for a 2024 Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals rematch, after being seeded No. 5 in the tournament, slated to face No. 4 seed Illinois (16-8, 6-3 Big Ten) on Friday, April 26, at 11 a.m. (CT). The 2024 Big Ten Tournament is being hosted by Northwestern in Evanston, Ill., with play beginning April 25, and the championship concluding on April 28.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sidearmstats.com/northwestern/mtennis/xlive.htm" target="_blank">Live stats</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bigtenplus.com/en-int/schedule?date=2024-04-26&amp;cat3=21475" target="_blank">stream</a>&nbsp;will be available, as well as updates on Twitter/X&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/HuskerMTennis" target="_blank">@HuskerMTennis</a>.

Although the Huskers had a strong finish to the regular season with a 7-0 sweep of Penn State on senior day, the Big Red are in a familiar position, heading into the postseason. For the second year in a row, Nebraska heads to the Big Ten tournament with a No. 5 conference tournament seed, a 5-4 Big Ten record, and a quarterfinals matchup against No. 4 Illinois. The last two meetings against the Fighting Illini have been 2-4 losses, as the Big Red seek a different outcome to advance to the Big Ten semifinals.

Scouting #26 Illinois (16-8, 6-3 Big Ten)/Series History:

The Huskers are coming off a split weekend at home, after falling to top-ranked Ohio State and defeating Penn State, 7-0. The senior day sweep improved the Huskers’ record to 16-9 (5-4 Big Ten) to conclude the regular season. The 16th win marks a program best since 2009. The Huskers concluded home play with an 11-3 record when playing at Dillon. Head Coach Peter Kobelt has led the team to a program record most wins from a first-year coach, all-time.

On April 23, Calvin Mueller was ranked at No. 80 in singles, and the Big Red were ranked by ITA at No. 59 with a 16-9 record. On April 24, Mueller was named Big Ten Player of the Week for the second time this season and the third in his career. The junior claimed the award after a 2-0 weekend against ranked conference opponents. The honor was also the third for the Big Red this season, having earned two-straight Big Ten honors in January. Shepp was named Big Ten Player of the Week on Jan. 17 and Calvin Mueller on Jan. 24. Both Shepp and Mueller were recognized for their perfect 4-0 weeks and straight-set victories.

Stay tuned to the Husker Men’s Tennis&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/HuskerMTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">social media</a>&nbsp;channels to keep up with match updates and content as available.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska men’s tennis team (16-9, 5-4 Big Ten) is set for a 2024 Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals rematch, after being seeded No. 5 in the tournament, slated to face No. 4 seed Illinois (16-8, 6-3 Big Ten) on Friday, April 26, at 11 a.m. (CT). The 2024 Big Ten Tournament is being hosted by Northwestern in Evanston, Ill., with play beginning April 25, and the championship concluding on April 28.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sidearmstats.com/northwestern/mtennis/xlive.htm" target="_blank">Live stats</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bigtenplus.com/en-int/schedule?date=2024-04-26&amp;cat3=21475" target="_blank">stream</a>&nbsp;will be available, as well as updates on Twitter/X&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/HuskerMTennis" target="_blank">@HuskerMTennis</a>.Although the Huskers had a strong finish to the regular season with a 7-0 sweep of Penn State on senior day, the Big Red are in a familiar position, heading into the postseason. For the second year in a row, Nebraska heads to the Big Ten tournament with a No. 5 conference tournament seed, a 5-4 Big Ten record, and a quarterfinals matchup against No. 4 Illinois. The last two meetings against the Fighting Illini have been 2-4 losses, as the Big Red seek a different outcome to advance to the Big Ten semifinals.Scouting #26 Illinois (16-8, 6-3 Big Ten)/Series History:<ul>
 <li>The Fighting Illini concluded the 2023-24 regular season with a 16-8 (6-3 Big Ten) record, coming off their most recent 4-0 victory over Indiana.</li><li>Illinois ended last season with a 19-11 record and a national ranking of No. 32.</li><li>As of April 23, ranked Fighting Illini include No. 27 Karlis Ozolins, No. 42 Hunter Heck and No. 99 Kenta Miyoshi in singles. Ranked Orange and Blue doubles duos are No. 9 Hunter Heck and Karlis Ozolins, and No. 43 Lucas Horve and Oliver Okonkwo.</li><li>Head Coach Brad Dancer is in his 18th season in the role with Illinois. Dancer led the Orange and Blue to a Big Ten Tournament Title in 2021 and has coached Fighting Illini into the NCAA Tournament in 16 of his 18 seasons.</li><li>Series History: 13-1 ILL; Since their first matchup in 2014, the Big Red have gone 1-13 against the Fighting Illini.</li>
 </ul>The Huskers are coming off a split weekend at home, after falling to top-ranked Ohio State and defeating Penn State, 7-0. The senior day sweep improved the Huskers’ record to 16-9 (5-4 Big Ten) to conclude the regular season. The 16th win marks a program best since 2009. The Huskers concluded home play with an 11-3 record when playing at Dillon. Head Coach Peter Kobelt has led the team to a program record most wins from a first-year coach, all-time.On April 23, Calvin Mueller was ranked at No. 80 in singles, and the Big Red were ranked by ITA at No. 59 with a 16-9 record. On April 24, Mueller was named Big Ten Player of the Week for the second time this season and the third in his career. The junior claimed the award after a 2-0 weekend against ranked conference opponents. The honor was also the third for the Big Red this season, having earned two-straight Big Ten honors in January. Shepp was named Big Ten Player of the Week on Jan. 17 and Calvin Mueller on Jan. 24. Both Shepp and Mueller were recognized for their perfect 4-0 weeks and straight-set victories.Stay tuned to the Husker Men’s Tennis&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/HuskerMTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">social media</a>&nbsp;channels to keep up with match updates and content as available.

#5 Huskers face #4 Illinois in Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals

Ann Arbor, Mich. -&nbsp;Behind two doubles victories and three singles wins, the Nebraska women’s tennis team (14-8, 4-10 Big Ten) defeated No. 50 Maryland (xx, xx Big Ten) 4-2 in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament, advancing to tomorrow’s quarterfinals.&nbsp;

Action against the Terrapins started with doubles play. On Court One, Raphaelle Lacasse and Maja Pietrowicz defeated No. 73 Minorka Miranda and Maria Budin 6-4, and Isabel Adrover Gallego and Lucy Loy topped&nbsp;Diya Challa and Aida Eissa on Court Three,&nbsp;6-3. Ana Zamburek and Anfisa Danilchenko’s match was abandoned at 5-4, and the teams moved on to singles competition.&nbsp;

In singles, Maryland evened the score at 1-1 as Adrover Gallego was defeated by Kallista Liu 6-3, 6-1, on Court Three. On Court Four, Pietrowicz battled, but lost to Budin 7-5, 7-5. Then the Huskers evened the score 2-2 as Zamburek forced a third set and topped Challa 1-6, 6-4, 6-2, on Court Five. Maria Taranova regained the lead for the Huskers as she defeated Eissa 6-3, 7-6 (6). Clinching the overall match for the Big Red was Danilchenko topping Miranda 7-5, 0-6, 6-3 on Court Two. Lacasse’s match on Court One against No. 77 Selma Cadar was abandoned 2-6, 7-6 (4), 3-2.&nbsp;

Up next, Nebraska will face Northwestern on Friday April, 25 at 1 p.m. (CT) in the Big Ten Quarterfinals. Live stats and streaming information can be found on huskers.com.&nbsp;

No. 11 Nebraska 4, No. 6 Maryland 2

No. 1 -- No. 77 Selma Cadar (UMD) vs.&nbsp; Raphaëlle Lacasse (NEB), 2-6, 7-6 (4), 3-2 UF

No. 2 -- Anfisa Danilchenko (Nebraska) d. Minorka Miranda (UMD), 7-5, 0-6, 6-3

No. 3 -- Kallista Liu (UMD) d. Isabel Adrover Gallego (Nebraska), 6-3, 6-1

No. 4 -- Maria Budin (UMD) d. Maja Pietrowicz (Nebraska), 7-5, 7-5

No. 5 -- Ana Zamburek (Nebraska) d. Diay Challa (UMD), 1-6, 6-4, 6-2

No. 6 -- Maria Taranova (Nebraska) d. Aida Eissa (UMD), 6-3, 7-6 (6)

No. 1 -- Raphaëlle Lacasse/Maja Pietrowicz (Nebraska) d. Minorka Miranda/Maria Budin (UMD), 6-4

No. 2 -- Anfisa Danilchenko/Ana Zamburek (Nebraska) vs. Selma Cadar/Kallista Liu (UMD), 5-4 abandoned

No. 3 -- Isabel Adrover Gallego/Lucy Loy (Nebraska) d. Diya Challa/Aida Eissa (UMD), 6-3

Order of Completion: Doubles 1-3; Singles 3-4-5-6-2

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsAnn Arbor, Mich. -&nbsp;Behind two doubles victories and three singles wins, the Nebraska women’s tennis team (14-8, 4-10 Big Ten) defeated No. 50 Maryland (xx, xx Big Ten) 4-2 in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament, advancing to tomorrow’s quarterfinals.&nbsp;Action against the Terrapins started with doubles play. On Court One, Raphaelle Lacasse and Maja Pietrowicz defeated No. 73 Minorka Miranda and Maria Budin 6-4, and Isabel Adrover Gallego and Lucy Loy topped&nbsp;Diya Challa and Aida Eissa on Court Three,&nbsp;6-3. Ana Zamburek and Anfisa Danilchenko’s match was abandoned at 5-4, and the teams moved on to singles competition.&nbsp;In singles, Maryland evened the score at 1-1 as Adrover Gallego was defeated by Kallista Liu 6-3, 6-1, on Court Three. On Court Four, Pietrowicz battled, but lost to Budin 7-5, 7-5. Then the Huskers evened the score 2-2 as Zamburek forced a third set and topped Challa 1-6, 6-4, 6-2, on Court Five. Maria Taranova regained the lead for the Huskers as she defeated Eissa 6-3, 7-6 (6). Clinching the overall match for the Big Red was Danilchenko topping Miranda 7-5, 0-6, 6-3 on Court Two. Lacasse’s match on Court One against No. 77 Selma Cadar was abandoned 2-6, 7-6 (4), 3-2.&nbsp;Up next, Nebraska will face Northwestern on Friday April, 25 at 1 p.m. (CT) in the Big Ten Quarterfinals. Live stats and streaming information can be found on huskers.com.&nbsp;No. 11 Nebraska 4, No. 6 Maryland 2SinglesNo. 1 -- No. 77 Selma Cadar (UMD) vs.&nbsp; Raphaëlle Lacasse (NEB), 2-6, 7-6 (4), 3-2 UFNo. 2 -- Anfisa Danilchenko (Nebraska) d. Minorka Miranda (UMD), 7-5, 0-6, 6-3No. 3 -- Kallista Liu (UMD) d. Isabel Adrover Gallego (Nebraska), 6-3, 6-1No. 4 -- Maria Budin (UMD) d. Maja Pietrowicz (Nebraska), 7-5, 7-5No. 5 -- Ana Zamburek (Nebraska) d. Diay Challa (UMD), 1-6, 6-4, 6-2No. 6 -- Maria Taranova (Nebraska) d. Aida Eissa (UMD), 6-3, 7-6 (6)DoublesNo. 1 -- Raphaëlle Lacasse/Maja Pietrowicz (Nebraska) d. Minorka Miranda/Maria Budin (UMD), 6-4No. 2 -- Anfisa Danilchenko/Ana Zamburek (Nebraska) vs. Selma Cadar/Kallista Liu (UMD), 5-4 abandonedNo. 3 -- Isabel Adrover Gallego/Lucy Loy (Nebraska) d. Diya Challa/Aida Eissa (UMD), 6-3Order of Completion: Doubles 1-3; Singles 3-4-5-6-2

Huskers down Terrapins, advance to B1G Quarterfinals 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714132813919.png" alt="Baseball District B-3" />
 <figcaption>Baseball District B-3</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714132915118.png" alt="Baseball District C-1" />
 <figcaption>Baseball District C-1</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714133017000.png" alt="Boys Soccer District A-2" />
 <figcaption>Boys Soccer District A-2</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714133065333.png" alt="Girls Soccer District A-3" />
 <figcaption>Girls Soccer District A-3</figcaption>
 </figure>

Area District assignments for Baseball and Soccer

KEARNEY, Neb. –&nbsp;The Nebraska DiamondFest Fastpitch softball tournament is set to return for its second year, taking place at Patriot and Harvey Parks. This year, the tournament will host 36 teams from various parts of Nebraska, competing for gold and silver medals in each division.

The tournament features teams from 18 different Nebraska towns, including North Platte and Lincoln, across divisions including 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, and 16U/18U. With over 400 players and coaches, the event showcases the talent of girls fastpitch softball in the state.

Spectators can access schedules and real-time score updates&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cwLULcv61aJO0VPWYAlxlXIA2dmMN4ew2BXnhP1leNmcvNy7NWr1i1Bwh2DVUAqcNQvt1fWbGVr9J4DoVh3aIfDLJqeCLPW9MFszaReMYeJtXThIOThCGai_qhjEwgoFh10t19kuqAZYY1oqeoyEWGE9_FXvWpXj88UZMmNJ7VDX6PvtIPMJpuBcQktqk961WVQx0FtFovNhEbDMz-qU03rCVoBedyziW4QqKy2a_3aFAkgEXTubA9PcieVWWoJB3D0wcFebX_U4KZbHqWz37g==&amp;c=8ta8odqvDCETSpcCI9vUnnApXK9OXU9tS0foL_YJVPNNUKbmJeQlAw==&amp;ch=WEgqMzTCPXQ9_Sa5nW4N7AdLRAqCsb9P3_q1c2C9e_htntE60GlxkQ==" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;or via the Tourney Machine app. Additional tournament information, including weather updates and photos, will be available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cwLULcv61aJO0VPWYAlxlXIA2dmMN4ew2BXnhP1leNmcvNy7NWr1i41UTPchcxWSOQyrmkoHRkN7W9LvrBnSWUGe3mKIx-IAKnPe1bGh6ZGKe1Bb3fdgpmauUtvxhKbgJ1aeSQ-PmNmJkYXUEi1CDPpSzKXZW-sE_yhv4Gp8oYPyYOMAcDcEgBHLxej1dU5Xbllt5a_gsC4=&amp;c=8ta8odqvDCETSpcCI9vUnnApXK9OXU9tS0foL_YJVPNNUKbmJeQlAw==&amp;ch=WEgqMzTCPXQ9_Sa5nW4N7AdLRAqCsb9P3_q1c2C9e_htntE60GlxkQ==" target="_blank">Nebraska DiamondFest Facebook page</a>.

Organized by the Nebraska Sports Council, with support from presenting sponsor Kearney Visitors Bureau, along with Kearney Parks and Recreation and the Kearney Competitive Girls Softball Association, the event aims to promote athleticism and camaraderie within the community. Sayler Screenprinting serves as the official apparel partner, with Younes Hospitality providing lodging for participants. Local contributors include Angus Burgers &amp; Shakes, John Deere | AKRS Equipment, NDOT Highway Safety Office, Walmart-Kearney, and the Nebraska State Fair.

The Nebraska Sports Council, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing quality competition for amateur athletes and promoting active, healthy lifestyle choices through events like the Nebraska DiamondFest Fastpitch Softball Tournament.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cwLULcv61aJO0VPWYAlxlXIA2dmMN4ew2BXnhP1leNmcvNy7NWr1i8DgwADC0hW11wHtis_CbIm9YMK8EYrnftzLa6VuSonauS9JPdGMiyQsajo18Mf27WgPdTTg3Hku1uO1hP21egxRPuie7Qe-8dAnPRdGFCkUkxNKtqhWCps5Hc59L2JwnJnzjufDveSQI0BvAducnEVDmPsUFoXWAtY1k5tu-co0&amp;c=8ta8odqvDCETSpcCI9vUnnApXK9OXU9tS0foL_YJVPNNUKbmJeQlAw==&amp;ch=WEgqMzTCPXQ9_Sa5nW4N7AdLRAqCsb9P3_q1c2C9e_htntE60GlxkQ==" target="_blank">NebraskaDiamondFest.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cwLULcv61aJO0VPWYAlxlXIA2dmMN4ew2BXnhP1leNmcvNy7NWr1i9vkXzEVlFgvM1aa-TrDI-xrwHE6IoV0Df30vwZNCeiNDUp6o74n-HxLL2VYxwZNnJNe7Yhum7oCv0O66bJxUT6In8sOaJ31b6U4T1sVGiIh0wyf4RUSh5A=&amp;c=8ta8odqvDCETSpcCI9vUnnApXK9OXU9tS0foL_YJVPNNUKbmJeQlAw==&amp;ch=WEgqMzTCPXQ9_Sa5nW4N7AdLRAqCsb9P3_q1c2C9e_htntE60GlxkQ==" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.

Nebraska Sports CouncilKEARNEY, Neb. –&nbsp;The Nebraska DiamondFest Fastpitch softball tournament is set to return for its second year, taking place at Patriot and Harvey Parks. This year, the tournament will host 36 teams from various parts of Nebraska, competing for gold and silver medals in each division.The tournament features teams from 18 different Nebraska towns, including North Platte and Lincoln, across divisions including 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, and 16U/18U. With over 400 players and coaches, the event showcases the talent of girls fastpitch softball in the state.Spectators can access schedules and real-time score updates&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cwLULcv61aJO0VPWYAlxlXIA2dmMN4ew2BXnhP1leNmcvNy7NWr1i1Bwh2DVUAqcNQvt1fWbGVr9J4DoVh3aIfDLJqeCLPW9MFszaReMYeJtXThIOThCGai_qhjEwgoFh10t19kuqAZYY1oqeoyEWGE9_FXvWpXj88UZMmNJ7VDX6PvtIPMJpuBcQktqk961WVQx0FtFovNhEbDMz-qU03rCVoBedyziW4QqKy2a_3aFAkgEXTubA9PcieVWWoJB3D0wcFebX_U4KZbHqWz37g==&amp;c=8ta8odqvDCETSpcCI9vUnnApXK9OXU9tS0foL_YJVPNNUKbmJeQlAw==&amp;ch=WEgqMzTCPXQ9_Sa5nW4N7AdLRAqCsb9P3_q1c2C9e_htntE60GlxkQ==" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;or via the Tourney Machine app. Additional tournament information, including weather updates and photos, will be available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cwLULcv61aJO0VPWYAlxlXIA2dmMN4ew2BXnhP1leNmcvNy7NWr1i41UTPchcxWSOQyrmkoHRkN7W9LvrBnSWUGe3mKIx-IAKnPe1bGh6ZGKe1Bb3fdgpmauUtvxhKbgJ1aeSQ-PmNmJkYXUEi1CDPpSzKXZW-sE_yhv4Gp8oYPyYOMAcDcEgBHLxej1dU5Xbllt5a_gsC4=&amp;c=8ta8odqvDCETSpcCI9vUnnApXK9OXU9tS0foL_YJVPNNUKbmJeQlAw==&amp;ch=WEgqMzTCPXQ9_Sa5nW4N7AdLRAqCsb9P3_q1c2C9e_htntE60GlxkQ==" target="_blank">Nebraska DiamondFest Facebook page</a>.Organized by the Nebraska Sports Council, with support from presenting sponsor Kearney Visitors Bureau, along with Kearney Parks and Recreation and the Kearney Competitive Girls Softball Association, the event aims to promote athleticism and camaraderie within the community. Sayler Screenprinting serves as the official apparel partner, with Younes Hospitality providing lodging for participants. Local contributors include Angus Burgers &amp; Shakes, John Deere | AKRS Equipment, NDOT Highway Safety Office, Walmart-Kearney, and the Nebraska State Fair.The Nebraska Sports Council, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing quality competition for amateur athletes and promoting active, healthy lifestyle choices through events like the Nebraska DiamondFest Fastpitch Softball Tournament.For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cwLULcv61aJO0VPWYAlxlXIA2dmMN4ew2BXnhP1leNmcvNy7NWr1i8DgwADC0hW11wHtis_CbIm9YMK8EYrnftzLa6VuSonauS9JPdGMiyQsajo18Mf27WgPdTTg3Hku1uO1hP21egxRPuie7Qe-8dAnPRdGFCkUkxNKtqhWCps5Hc59L2JwnJnzjufDveSQI0BvAducnEVDmPsUFoXWAtY1k5tu-co0&amp;c=8ta8odqvDCETSpcCI9vUnnApXK9OXU9tS0foL_YJVPNNUKbmJeQlAw==&amp;ch=WEgqMzTCPXQ9_Sa5nW4N7AdLRAqCsb9P3_q1c2C9e_htntE60GlxkQ==" target="_blank">NebraskaDiamondFest.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cwLULcv61aJO0VPWYAlxlXIA2dmMN4ew2BXnhP1leNmcvNy7NWr1i9vkXzEVlFgvM1aa-TrDI-xrwHE6IoV0Df30vwZNCeiNDUp6o74n-HxLL2VYxwZNnJNe7Yhum7oCv0O66bJxUT6In8sOaJ31b6U4T1sVGiIh0wyf4RUSh5A=&amp;c=8ta8odqvDCETSpcCI9vUnnApXK9OXU9tS0foL_YJVPNNUKbmJeQlAw==&amp;ch=WEgqMzTCPXQ9_Sa5nW4N7AdLRAqCsb9P3_q1c2C9e_htntE60GlxkQ==" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.

Nebraska DiamondFest Fastpitch Softball Tournament Returns for its Second Year

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

North Platte, Neb. – A trio of North Platte Community College men’s basketball student-athletes garner Region IX, Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference and postseason honors from the Omaha World-Herald.

Parker Baumann and Bryce Baez were named to the Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference team, while Davion Evans received honorable mention accolades from the conference.&nbsp;Additionally, all three student-athletes were named to the Omaha World-Herald's All-Midlands men's basketball team, while Baez and Evans received Region IX South honors at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.

Evans finished the season ranked second in the region in points per game (16.3) and tenth in three-point shooting (33.3%). He scored in double figures 18 times during his 21 game appearances this past season.

Baez, who averaged 12.3 points per game, finished 15th in the region in that category. The native of Burlington, Iowa closed out the season ranked seventh in region in total rebounds (197) and third with a 79.8 percent free throw percentage.

Baumann appeared in all 29 games averaging 14.2 point per contest. The freshman guard finished the season second on the team in scoring and seventh in region. He also closed out the season eighth in the region in steals (1.2) and 13th in rebounds per game (5.6).

Kade Erickson of North Platte Community College and John Ritzdorf of Central Community College were named NCCAC Co-Coaches of the Year. Erickson stepped into the interim role on December 12 and guided the Knights to a 5-1 conference record to help North Platte claim the NCCAC title.

Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference TeamParker Baumann, Fr., G, &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; North Platte Community CollegeBryce Baez, So., F, North Platte Community CollegeBlake Daberkow, So., F, Central Community CollegePJ Davis, So., G, Central Community CollegeFrank Keller, Fr., F, Central Community CollegeBryan Akanmu, RFr., W, McCook Community CollegeMartel Evans, So., G, McCook Community CollegeLouie Tucker, Fr., G, McCook Community CollegeJustin Bolis, Fr., F, Southeast Community CollegeCollin Tarver, Fr., G Southeast Community College

Honorable MentionDavion Evans, So., G, North Platte Community CollegeRadek Pulsipher, So., G, Southeast Community College

Coach-of-the YearKade Erickson, North Platte Community CollegeJohn Ritzdorf, Central Community College

All-Region IX South TeamFirst TeamLateef Patrick, Fr., G, Trinidad State CollegeJalen Foy, So., F, Northeastern Junior CollegeJJ Harris, So., G, Western Nebraska Community College

Second TeamAnthony Harris, So., F, Otero Junior CollegeKeliese Frye, So., F, Trinidad State CollegeWillie Wilson, Fr., G, Western Nebraska Community College

Third TeamDeng Diew, Fr., F, Northeastern Junior CollegeLouie Tucker, Fr., G, McCook Community CollegeTay Mosher, So., F, Otero Junior College

Honorable MentionMartel Evans, So., G, McCook Community CollegeDavion Evans, So., G, North Platte Community CollegeBryce Baez, So., F, North Platte Community CollegeSean Lindsay, Fr., G, Lamar Community College

South Coach of the YearBilly Engel, Western Nebraska Community College

Omaha World-Herald's All-Midlands Men's Basketball TeamDavion Evans, So., G, North Platte Community CollegeVincent Garrett, Fr., G, Northeast Community CollegeJJ Harris, So., G, Western Nebraska Community CollegeLouie Tucker, Fr., G, McCook Community CollegeBlake Daberkow, So., F, Central Community College

Honorable MentionBryce Baez, So., F, North Platte Community CollegeParker Baumann, Fr., G, North Platte Community CollegePJ Davis, So., G, Central Community CollegeMartel Evans, So., G, McCook Community CollegeBryce Rolle, So., F, Northeast Community CollegeJustin Bolis, Fr., F, Southeast Community CollegeCollin Tarver, Fr., G, Southeast Community CollegeKayden Nation, Fr., W, Western Nebraska Community CollegeWillie Wilson, Fr., G, Western Nebraska Community College

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsNorth Platte, Neb. – A trio of North Platte Community College men’s basketball student-athletes garner Region IX, Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference and postseason honors from the Omaha World-Herald.Parker Baumann and Bryce Baez were named to the Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference team, while Davion Evans received honorable mention accolades from the conference.&nbsp;Additionally, all three student-athletes were named to the Omaha World-Herald's All-Midlands men's basketball team, while Baez and Evans received Region IX South honors at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.Evans finished the season ranked second in the region in points per game (16.3) and tenth in three-point shooting (33.3%). He scored in double figures 18 times during his 21 game appearances this past season.Baez, who averaged 12.3 points per game, finished 15th in the region in that category. The native of Burlington, Iowa closed out the season ranked seventh in region in total rebounds (197) and third with a 79.8 percent free throw percentage.Baumann appeared in all 29 games averaging 14.2 point per contest. The freshman guard finished the season second on the team in scoring and seventh in region. He also closed out the season eighth in the region in steals (1.2) and 13th in rebounds per game (5.6).Kade Erickson of North Platte Community College and John Ritzdorf of Central Community College were named NCCAC Co-Coaches of the Year. Erickson stepped into the interim role on December 12 and guided the Knights to a 5-1 conference record to help North Platte claim the NCCAC title.Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference TeamParker Baumann, Fr., G, &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; North Platte Community CollegeBryce Baez, So., F, North Platte Community CollegeBlake Daberkow, So., F, Central Community CollegePJ Davis, So., G, Central Community CollegeFrank Keller, Fr., F, Central Community CollegeBryan Akanmu, RFr., W, McCook Community CollegeMartel Evans, So., G, McCook Community CollegeLouie Tucker, Fr., G, McCook Community CollegeJustin Bolis, Fr., F, Southeast Community CollegeCollin Tarver, Fr., G Southeast Community CollegeHonorable MentionDavion Evans, So., G, North Platte Community CollegeRadek Pulsipher, So., G, Southeast Community CollegeCoach-of-the YearKade Erickson, North Platte Community CollegeJohn Ritzdorf, Central Community CollegeAll-Region IX South TeamFirst TeamLateef Patrick, Fr., G, Trinidad State CollegeJalen Foy, So., F, Northeastern Junior CollegeJJ Harris, So., G, Western Nebraska Community CollegeSecond TeamAnthony Harris, So., F, Otero Junior CollegeKeliese Frye, So., F, Trinidad State CollegeWillie Wilson, Fr., G, Western Nebraska Community CollegeThird TeamDeng Diew, Fr., F, Northeastern Junior CollegeLouie Tucker, Fr., G, McCook Community CollegeTay Mosher, So., F, Otero Junior CollegeHonorable MentionMartel Evans, So., G, McCook Community CollegeDavion Evans, So., G, North Platte Community CollegeBryce Baez, So., F, North Platte Community CollegeSean Lindsay, Fr., G, Lamar Community CollegeSouth Coach of the YearBilly Engel, Western Nebraska Community CollegeOmaha World-Herald's All-Midlands Men's Basketball TeamDavion Evans, So., G, North Platte Community CollegeVincent Garrett, Fr., G, Northeast Community CollegeJJ Harris, So., G, Western Nebraska Community CollegeLouie Tucker, Fr., G, McCook Community CollegeBlake Daberkow, So., F, Central Community CollegeHonorable MentionBryce Baez, So., F, North Platte Community CollegeParker Baumann, Fr., G, North Platte Community CollegePJ Davis, So., G, Central Community CollegeMartel Evans, So., G, McCook Community CollegeBryce Rolle, So., F, Northeast Community CollegeJustin Bolis, Fr., F, Southeast Community CollegeCollin Tarver, Fr., G, Southeast Community CollegeKayden Nation, Fr., W, Western Nebraska Community CollegeWillie Wilson, Fr., G, Western Nebraska Community College

Baumann, Baez and Evans receive postseason awards

Ann Arbor, Mich.&nbsp;- The Nebraska women’s tennis team (13-10, 3-9 Big Ten) defeated the Indiana Hoosiers (6-10, 0-12 Big Ten) 4-1 on Wednesday afternoon at the Varsity Tennis Center and advanced to the second round of the Big Ten Tournament.&nbsp;

The Huskers started the match by getting the doubles point before freshman Maria Taranova earned her 22nd win in singles, and Lacasse defeated Nicole Teodosescu to secure the match point for the Huskers.

The Huskers started with a Court One victory in doubles as Raphaëlle Lacasse and Maja Pietrowicz defeated Li Hsin Lin and Saby Nihalani 6-0. Another victory followed on Court Three for the Huskers when Isabel Adrover Gallego and Lucy Loy defeated Nicole Teodosescu and Elisabeth Dunac 6-3. At the No. 2 spot, Ana Zamburek and Anfisa Danilchenko's match against Lene Mari Hovda and Sarah L'allier was left unfinished at 5-3.&nbsp;

Moving on to singles, Taranova bested Magdalena Swierczynska 6-2, 6-1. With this win, Taranova's record improves to 22-6, making her the winningest freshman in school history. On Court Two, Anfisa Danilchenko won against Elisabeth Dunac 6-3, 6-3. Maja Pietrowicz started strong on Court Four but fell to Li Hsin Lin at 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 to give the Hoosiers one point. At the No. 1 spot, Lacasse won her match against IU’s Nicole Teodosescu 7-5, 6-4 to secure the win for Nebraska. Adrover Gallego’s match against Saby Nihalani 4-6, 6-4 was left unfinished, and Zamburek match with Lene Mari Hovda and was left unfinished at 6-2, 3-6, 3-4..&nbsp;

Up Next, the Huskers will face No. 6 Maryland on Thursday, April 25, at 1 p.m. (CT). In the regular season, the Huskers held the Terrapins even until the match was decided 4-3, Maryland. Live Stats will be available on Huskers.com. The match will be streamed on Big Ten Plus. Additionally, live match updates will be on X/Formerly Twitter @HuskerWTennis.&nbsp;

No. 1 -- Raphaëlle Lacasse (Nebraska) def.&nbsp; Nicole Teodosescu (IU), 7-5, 6-4

No. 2 -- Anfisa Danilchenko (Nebraska) def. Elisabeth Dunac (IU), 6-3, 6-3

No. 3 -- Isabel Adrover Gallego (Nebraska) vs. Saby Nihalani (IU), 4-6, 6-4 (UF)

No. 4 -- Li Hsin Lin (IU) def. Maja Pietrowicz (Nebraska), 2-6, 6-3, 6-1

No. 5 -- Ana Zamburek (Nebraska) vs. Lene Mari Hovda (IU) 6-2, 3-6, 3-4&nbsp;(UF)

No. 6 -- Maria Taranova (Nebraska) def. Magdalena Swierczynska (IU), 6-2, 6-1

No. 1 -- Raphaëlle Lacasse/Maja Pietrowicz (Nebraska) def. Li Hsin Lin/Saby Nihalani (IU), 6-0

No. 2 -- Anfisa Danilchenko/Ana Zamburek (Nebraska) vs. Lene Mari Hovda/Sarah L'allier (IU), (5-3, UF)

No. 3 -- Isabel Adrover Gallego/Lucy Loy (Nebraska) def.&nbsp; Nicole Teodosescu/Elisabeth Dunac (IU), 6-3

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsAnn Arbor, Mich.&nbsp;- The Nebraska women’s tennis team (13-10, 3-9 Big Ten) defeated the Indiana Hoosiers (6-10, 0-12 Big Ten) 4-1 on Wednesday afternoon at the Varsity Tennis Center and advanced to the second round of the Big Ten Tournament.&nbsp;The Huskers started the match by getting the doubles point before freshman Maria Taranova earned her 22nd win in singles, and Lacasse defeated Nicole Teodosescu to secure the match point for the Huskers.The Huskers started with a Court One victory in doubles as Raphaëlle Lacasse and Maja Pietrowicz defeated Li Hsin Lin and Saby Nihalani 6-0. Another victory followed on Court Three for the Huskers when Isabel Adrover Gallego and Lucy Loy defeated Nicole Teodosescu and Elisabeth Dunac 6-3. At the No. 2 spot, Ana Zamburek and Anfisa Danilchenko's match against Lene Mari Hovda and Sarah L'allier was left unfinished at 5-3.&nbsp;Moving on to singles, Taranova bested Magdalena Swierczynska 6-2, 6-1. With this win, Taranova's record improves to 22-6, making her the winningest freshman in school history. On Court Two, Anfisa Danilchenko won against Elisabeth Dunac 6-3, 6-3. Maja Pietrowicz started strong on Court Four but fell to Li Hsin Lin at 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 to give the Hoosiers one point. At the No. 1 spot, Lacasse won her match against IU’s Nicole Teodosescu 7-5, 6-4 to secure the win for Nebraska. Adrover Gallego’s match against Saby Nihalani 4-6, 6-4 was left unfinished, and Zamburek match with Lene Mari Hovda and was left unfinished at 6-2, 3-6, 3-4..&nbsp;Up Next, the Huskers will face No. 6 Maryland on Thursday, April 25, at 1 p.m. (CT). In the regular season, the Huskers held the Terrapins even until the match was decided 4-3, Maryland. Live Stats will be available on Huskers.com. The match will be streamed on Big Ten Plus. Additionally, live match updates will be on X/Formerly Twitter @HuskerWTennis.&nbsp;NEB 4, IU 1SinglesNo. 1 -- Raphaëlle Lacasse (Nebraska) def.&nbsp; Nicole Teodosescu (IU), 7-5, 6-4No. 2 -- Anfisa Danilchenko (Nebraska) def. Elisabeth Dunac (IU), 6-3, 6-3No. 3 -- Isabel Adrover Gallego (Nebraska) vs. Saby Nihalani (IU), 4-6, 6-4 (UF)No. 4 -- Li Hsin Lin (IU) def. Maja Pietrowicz (Nebraska), 2-6, 6-3, 6-1No. 5 -- Ana Zamburek (Nebraska) vs. Lene Mari Hovda (IU) 6-2, 3-6, 3-4&nbsp;(UF)No. 6 -- Maria Taranova (Nebraska) def. Magdalena Swierczynska (IU), 6-2, 6-1DoublesNo. 1 -- Raphaëlle Lacasse/Maja Pietrowicz (Nebraska) def. Li Hsin Lin/Saby Nihalani (IU), 6-0No. 2 -- Anfisa Danilchenko/Ana Zamburek (Nebraska) vs. Lene Mari Hovda/Sarah L'allier (IU), (5-3, UF)No. 3 -- Isabel Adrover Gallego/Lucy Loy (Nebraska) def.&nbsp; Nicole Teodosescu/Elisabeth Dunac (IU), 6-3

Huskers down Hoosiers 4-1, will face Maryland

Story by UNK Athletic Communications&nbsp;

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The&nbsp;Nebraska-Kearney&nbsp;tennis teams split with Northwest Missouri on Wednesday in&nbsp;Maryville, the 17th-ranked women winning&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-tennis/stats/2023-24/-18-northwest-missouri/boxscore/7865" target="_blank">5-2</a>&nbsp;and the men falling to the 45th-ranked Bearcats,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/mens-tennis/stats/2023-24/-45-northwest-missouri/boxscore/7836" target="_blank">6-1.</a>These&nbsp;duals&nbsp;were moved up a full day to beat the weather. Earlier on Wednesday, the second&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/tennis-women/d2/regional-rankings" target="_blank">Central Region rankings</a>&nbsp;were released, and the 18th-ranked&nbsp;Bearcat&nbsp;women (second) and&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;(fourth) were both in the top four. UNK (17-4, 5-2) could jump Northwest (20-3, 5--2) in the next rankings after today's win. While the&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;dropped all three doubles matches for the first time this year, they won four of six singles matches. Three of the wins came in three sets with this effort helping the Blue &amp; Gold end a seven-match losing streak to the 'Cats. The last&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;win in the series came back in April 2017 in Lincoln. &nbsp;At two singles, Colombian senior&nbsp;Melisa Becerra&nbsp;got past 73rd-ranked Tessa Kwakernaak (4-6, 1-6, 6-4) thanks to scoring the final two points in the third set. Earlier, 28th-ranked&nbsp;Jazmin Zamorano&nbsp;was winning at one (6-4, 3-2) before her opponent retired.

Both&nbsp;Becerra&nbsp;and&nbsp;Zamorano&nbsp;(Mexico) now have 128 career wins apiece.Next, Madagascar junior&nbsp;Narindra Ranaivo&nbsp;(6-4, 5-7, 6-2) and Venezuelan freshman&nbsp;Fabiana Gamboa&nbsp;(5-7, 6-4, 6-1) rolled in the third set with Colorado junior&nbsp;Alexis Bernthal&nbsp;having the most dominant win (6-2, 6-4) at six.&nbsp;Ranaivo&nbsp;is now 16-4 and riding a 12-match win streak with&nbsp;Bernthal&nbsp;having won eight straight to move her dual record to 16-3.On the men's side, Egyptian freshman&nbsp;Ahmed Abdelaziz&nbsp;posted a 6-4, 1-0 (10-4) win at five but the 'Cats (13-6, 3-1) took every other match. Working with a new lineup of late, the Lopers fall to 13-9 (3-1). In the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/tennis-men/d2/regional-rankings" target="_blank">region rankings</a>, NW is fourth with UNK sixth.&nbsp;English freshman&nbsp;Andy Brisdon&nbsp;had a chance at six singles but fell in three sets (4-6, 6-1, 1-0; 10-5) with freshman&nbsp;Jip Mens&nbsp;(The Netherlands) and Abdelaziz falling by just a 7-5 score at two doubles to the nation's 35th-ranked pair. Friday's match at Washburn has moved up to a 9 a.m. start to beat the weather. The&nbsp;Ichabods&nbsp;are ranked eighth (men) and 13th (women) nationally. The winner of the women's dual will be the MIAA regular season champion.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Story by UNK Athletic Communications&nbsp;Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The&nbsp;Nebraska-Kearney&nbsp;tennis teams split with Northwest Missouri on Wednesday in&nbsp;Maryville, the 17th-ranked women winning&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-tennis/stats/2023-24/-18-northwest-missouri/boxscore/7865" target="_blank">5-2</a>&nbsp;and the men falling to the 45th-ranked Bearcats,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/mens-tennis/stats/2023-24/-45-northwest-missouri/boxscore/7836" target="_blank">6-1.</a>These&nbsp;duals&nbsp;were moved up a full day to beat the weather. Earlier on Wednesday, the second&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/tennis-women/d2/regional-rankings" target="_blank">Central Region rankings</a>&nbsp;were released, and the 18th-ranked&nbsp;Bearcat&nbsp;women (second) and&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;(fourth) were both in the top four. UNK (17-4, 5-2) could jump Northwest (20-3, 5--2) in the next rankings after today's win. While the&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;dropped all three doubles matches for the first time this year, they won four of six singles matches. Three of the wins came in three sets with this effort helping the Blue &amp; Gold end a seven-match losing streak to the 'Cats. The last&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;win in the series came back in April 2017 in Lincoln. &nbsp;At two singles, Colombian senior&nbsp;Melisa Becerra&nbsp;got past 73rd-ranked Tessa Kwakernaak (4-6, 1-6, 6-4) thanks to scoring the final two points in the third set. Earlier, 28th-ranked&nbsp;Jazmin Zamorano&nbsp;was winning at one (6-4, 3-2) before her opponent retired. Both&nbsp;Becerra&nbsp;and&nbsp;Zamorano&nbsp;(Mexico) now have 128 career wins apiece.Next, Madagascar junior&nbsp;Narindra Ranaivo&nbsp;(6-4, 5-7, 6-2) and Venezuelan freshman&nbsp;Fabiana Gamboa&nbsp;(5-7, 6-4, 6-1) rolled in the third set with Colorado junior&nbsp;Alexis Bernthal&nbsp;having the most dominant win (6-2, 6-4) at six.&nbsp;Ranaivo&nbsp;is now 16-4 and riding a 12-match win streak with&nbsp;Bernthal&nbsp;having won eight straight to move her dual record to 16-3.On the men's side, Egyptian freshman&nbsp;Ahmed Abdelaziz&nbsp;posted a 6-4, 1-0 (10-4) win at five but the 'Cats (13-6, 3-1) took every other match. Working with a new lineup of late, the Lopers fall to 13-9 (3-1). In the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/tennis-men/d2/regional-rankings" target="_blank">region rankings</a>, NW is fourth with UNK sixth.&nbsp;English freshman&nbsp;Andy Brisdon&nbsp;had a chance at six singles but fell in three sets (4-6, 6-1, 1-0; 10-5) with freshman&nbsp;Jip Mens&nbsp;(The Netherlands) and Abdelaziz falling by just a 7-5 score at two doubles to the nation's 35th-ranked pair. Friday's match at Washburn has moved up to a 9 a.m. start to beat the weather. The&nbsp;Ichabods&nbsp;are ranked eighth (men) and 13th (women) nationally. The winner of the women's dual will be the MIAA regular season champion.&nbsp; &nbsp;

#18 Women pick up another big Regional Win; #13 Ichabods up next

KEARNEY, NE–&nbsp;The Tri-City Storm’s season ended Wednesday night at the Viaero Center in a 5-3 loss to the Fargo Force. Tri-City dropped three games in the Best-Of-Five series, and was eliminated from the postseason. Vsevolod Logvin (2), and Nolan Roed scored Tri-City’s goals in the loss.Finn McLaughlin scored his first goal of the postseason at 1:26 of Wednesday’s 1st&nbsp;period to give the Force a 1-0 lead in the battle. Michael Neumeier and Michael La Starza each collected an assist on the scoring play. Vsevolod Logvin netted his first goal of the playoffs with under seven minutes to play in the 1st&nbsp;period to bring the game to a 1-1 tie. August Falloon collected an assist on the goal. The Storm outshot the Force by a 13-7 margin during Wednesday’s 1st&nbsp;period, and the 2nd period began in a 1-1 tie. Zam Plante scored his second goal of the series at 10:29 of Wednesday’s 2nd&nbsp;period to give Fargo another lead in the battle. The goal was assisted by Reid Daavettila and Merril Steenari. Jake Fisher scored his first goal of the playoffs at 12:11 of the middle period to increase the Force’s lead to two goals. Mac Swanson and Michael La Starza each recorded an assist on the scoring play. Fargo outshot Tri-City 13-6 in the 2nd period, and carried a 3-1 lead into the 3rd&nbsp;period. Vsevolod Logvin scored his second goal of the night at 9:02 of the final period to bring the Storm back within one goal of the Force’s lead. Blake Steenerson collected an assist on the scoring play. Merril Steenari scored forty-nine seconds later to give Fargo a 4-2 lead in the contest. Mac Swanson collected an assist on the scoring play. The Storm’s final goal of the playoffs was netted by Nolan Roed at 18:07 of the 3rd period. The goal was scored shorthanded, and was Roed’s team-leading fourth goal of the postseason. Gavin Morrissey netted an empty-net goal with under one minute to play to seal Fargo’s 5-3 victory. Thatcher Bernstein made 27 saves on 31 shots in net during the game for Tri-City. Hampton Slukynsky recorded the win in goal for Fargo in a 23-save-on-26-shot performance. Season Tickets to the Storm’s 25th Anniversary Season are on sale now and can be purchased by contacting a member of the Storm Sales Staff at 308-338-8144. Pricing, and the Season Ticket Order Form for the 2024-2025 season, can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="https://stormhockey.com/sports/2022/8/19/season-tickets.aspx" target="_blank">https://stormhockey.com/sports/2022/8/19/season-tickets.aspx</a>. Skate to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>&nbsp;for more information regarding the Tri-City Storm&nbsp;organization. The Tri-City Storm is presented by Viaero Wireless.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by Tri-City CommunicationsKEARNEY, NE–&nbsp;The Tri-City Storm’s season ended Wednesday night at the Viaero Center in a 5-3 loss to the Fargo Force. Tri-City dropped three games in the Best-Of-Five series, and was eliminated from the postseason. Vsevolod Logvin (2), and Nolan Roed scored Tri-City’s goals in the loss.Finn McLaughlin scored his first goal of the postseason at 1:26 of Wednesday’s 1st&nbsp;period to give the Force a 1-0 lead in the battle. Michael Neumeier and Michael La Starza each collected an assist on the scoring play. Vsevolod Logvin netted his first goal of the playoffs with under seven minutes to play in the 1st&nbsp;period to bring the game to a 1-1 tie. August Falloon collected an assist on the goal. The Storm outshot the Force by a 13-7 margin during Wednesday’s 1st&nbsp;period, and the 2nd period began in a 1-1 tie. Zam Plante scored his second goal of the series at 10:29 of Wednesday’s 2nd&nbsp;period to give Fargo another lead in the battle. The goal was assisted by Reid Daavettila and Merril Steenari. Jake Fisher scored his first goal of the playoffs at 12:11 of the middle period to increase the Force’s lead to two goals. Mac Swanson and Michael La Starza each recorded an assist on the scoring play. Fargo outshot Tri-City 13-6 in the 2nd period, and carried a 3-1 lead into the 3rd&nbsp;period. Vsevolod Logvin scored his second goal of the night at 9:02 of the final period to bring the Storm back within one goal of the Force’s lead. Blake Steenerson collected an assist on the scoring play. Merril Steenari scored forty-nine seconds later to give Fargo a 4-2 lead in the contest. Mac Swanson collected an assist on the scoring play. The Storm’s final goal of the playoffs was netted by Nolan Roed at 18:07 of the 3rd period. The goal was scored shorthanded, and was Roed’s team-leading fourth goal of the postseason. Gavin Morrissey netted an empty-net goal with under one minute to play to seal Fargo’s 5-3 victory. Thatcher Bernstein made 27 saves on 31 shots in net during the game for Tri-City. Hampton Slukynsky recorded the win in goal for Fargo in a 23-save-on-26-shot performance. Season Tickets to the Storm’s 25th Anniversary Season are on sale now and can be purchased by contacting a member of the Storm Sales Staff at 308-338-8144. Pricing, and the Season Ticket Order Form for the 2024-2025 season, can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="https://stormhockey.com/sports/2022/8/19/season-tickets.aspx" target="_blank">https://stormhockey.com/sports/2022/8/19/season-tickets.aspx</a>. Skate to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>&nbsp;for more information regarding the Tri-City Storm&nbsp;organization. The Tri-City Storm is presented by Viaero Wireless.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Storm’s season ends in 5-3 loss

NEW YORK (AP) — Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner more than a decade after Southern California returned the award following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans, the Heisman Trust announced Wednesday.

“We are thrilled to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HeismanTrophy/status/1783139051849085118">welcome Reggie Bush back</a>&nbsp;to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust. “We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”

Bush had won the trophy awarded to the top player in college football after amassing more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns in 2005. His 784 first-place votes were the fifth most in Heisman history.

The Heisman Trust has returned the trophy to Bush and the replica to USC. Bush will be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies.

“Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family,” Bush said in a statement to ESPN. “I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”

The USC football program wrote in a social media post,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/uscfb/status/1783133293996814470">“back where it belongs.</a>&nbsp;" The reinstatement of Bush gives USC a total of eight Heisman winners, most of any school.

The Trust said in its statement that its decision followed a “deliberative process” in which it closely monitored changes in the college athletics landscape. That included the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 decision that questioned the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model and opened the door to athlete compensation; the ability of players to be paid for their name, image, and likeness; and the NCAA’s recent proposal to remove the cap on education-related payments.

“Recognizing that the compensation of student athletes is an accepted practice and appears here to stay, these fundamental changes in college athletics led the Trust to decide that now is the right time to return the Trophy to Bush, who unquestionably was the most outstanding college football player of 2005,” the Trust said.

Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman winner from Texas A&amp;M,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JManziel2/status/1763937014766821689">said on social media</a>&nbsp;last month that he would not participate in Heisman festivities unless Bush got his trophy back. He&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JManziel2/status/1783127654599991675">thanked the Trust on Wednesday</a>&nbsp;“for doing what’s right and welcoming a storied member of our history back into the fold. There were many voices throughout this process that stood on the table for Reggie simply because of the kind of human being he is. I look forward to being on that stage with you this December (Reggie Bush) you deserve it.”

Among others praising the decision were 2022 winner and the projected No. 1 pick in Thursday's NFL draft,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CALEBcsw/status/1783122113672429952">Caleb Williams</a>&nbsp;of USC, 2001 winner&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/croucheric/status/1783131968147779800">Eric Crouch</a>&nbsp;of Nebraska and 2011 winner&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RGIII/status/1783125679975895198">Robert Griffin III</a>&nbsp;of Baylor.

Bush had his award vacated in 2010 after USC was hit with NCAA sanctions when it was found that Bush and his family received money and gifts from fledgling marketing agents who were hoping to represent him.

The NCAA also erased 13 wins in which Bush played, as well as the 55-19 victory over Oklahoma in the Bowl Championship Series title game at the Orange Bowl following the 2004 season.

Bush was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft, by New Orleans, and he played for five teams over 11 seasons.

NEW YORK (AP) — Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner more than a decade after Southern California returned the award following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans, the Heisman Trust announced Wednesday.“We are thrilled to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HeismanTrophy/status/1783139051849085118">welcome Reggie Bush back</a>&nbsp;to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust. “We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”Bush had won the trophy awarded to the top player in college football after amassing more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns in 2005. His 784 first-place votes were the fifth most in Heisman history.The Heisman Trust has returned the trophy to Bush and the replica to USC. Bush will be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies.“Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family,” Bush said in a statement to ESPN. “I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”The USC football program wrote in a social media post,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/uscfb/status/1783133293996814470">“back where it belongs.</a>&nbsp;" The reinstatement of Bush gives USC a total of eight Heisman winners, most of any school.The Trust said in its statement that its decision followed a “deliberative process” in which it closely monitored changes in the college athletics landscape. That included the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 decision that questioned the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model and opened the door to athlete compensation; the ability of players to be paid for their name, image, and likeness; and the NCAA’s recent proposal to remove the cap on education-related payments.“Recognizing that the compensation of student athletes is an accepted practice and appears here to stay, these fundamental changes in college athletics led the Trust to decide that now is the right time to return the Trophy to Bush, who unquestionably was the most outstanding college football player of 2005,” the Trust said.Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman winner from Texas A&amp;M,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JManziel2/status/1763937014766821689">said on social media</a>&nbsp;last month that he would not participate in Heisman festivities unless Bush got his trophy back. He&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JManziel2/status/1783127654599991675">thanked the Trust on Wednesday</a>&nbsp;“for doing what’s right and welcoming a storied member of our history back into the fold. There were many voices throughout this process that stood on the table for Reggie simply because of the kind of human being he is. I look forward to being on that stage with you this December (Reggie Bush) you deserve it.”Among others praising the decision were 2022 winner and the projected No. 1 pick in Thursday's NFL draft,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CALEBcsw/status/1783122113672429952">Caleb Williams</a>&nbsp;of USC, 2001 winner&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/croucheric/status/1783131968147779800">Eric Crouch</a>&nbsp;of Nebraska and 2011 winner&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RGIII/status/1783125679975895198">Robert Griffin III</a>&nbsp;of Baylor.Bush had his award vacated in 2010 after USC was hit with NCAA sanctions when it was found that Bush and his family received money and gifts from fledgling marketing agents who were hoping to represent him.The NCAA also erased 13 wins in which Bush played, as well as the 55-19 victory over Oklahoma in the Bowl Championship Series title game at the Orange Bowl following the 2004 season.Bush was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft, by New Orleans, and he played for five teams over 11 seasons.

Reggie Bush is reinstated as 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, with organizers citing NIL rule changes

KEARNEY, NE.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Tri-City Storm is set to host Game #3 of the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals tonight at the Viaero Center against the Fargo Force after dropping the opening two games of the series at Scheels Arena. The Storm must fight off elimination tonight to guarantee tomorrow night’s Game #4 of the Best-Of-Five playoff series. Tomorrow’s “If Necessary” Game will also be played at the Viaero Center. Tickets to tonight’s playoff game in Kearney may be purchased online by skating to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>, or by calling the Viaero Center Box Office during Box Office Hours at 308-338-8144. Puck drop for tonight’s battle between the Storm and the Force is set for 7:05pm CT. Tri-City (2-3) (#4 Seed) returns home to the Viaero Center tonight following consecutive losses on the road against Fargo at Scheels Arena to open the Best-Of-Five Western Conference Semifinals series. The Storm suffered two 3-1 losses on the road and now faces elimination for the third time this postseason in tonight’s game. Ryan Smith and Nick Roukounakis netted goals for Tri-City during the road trip. The Storm has been outscored 6-2, and outshot 73-43 through the first two games of the series. The Storm’s powerplay is 0/3, and Tri-City’s penalty kill is 2/5 entering Game #3 tonight. Tri-City tied the regular season series against Fargo with a final head-to-head record of 3-2-0-1. The Storm captured five of a possible six points against the Force in a three-game home series at the Viaero Center March 15th-18th, 2024. Scoring leaders for Tri-City through the opening five games of the postseason include Artemi Nizameyev (3), Jake Rozzi (3), Nolan Roed (3), Owen Beckner (3), August Falloon (2), and Nick Roukounakis (2).Fargo (2-0) (#1 Seed) posted consecutive two-goal victories over Tri-City at Scheels Arena to take a two-game lead in this year’s Western Conference Semifinals series. The Force swept the Storm in last year’s Conference Semifinals Round, and has advanced past the Storm in three previous postseason battles over the past seven seasons. Fargo’s powerplay is 3/5, and the Force’s penalty kill is 3/3 through the first two games of the series. Goal scorers for the Force to this point in the postseason include Michael La Starza (2), Mac Swanson (1), Michael Quinn (1), Zam Plante (1), and Tate Taylor (1). Fargo enters tonight’s road game only one win away from advancing to play the Sioux City Musketeers in the Western Conference Final round of the 2024 Clark Cup Playoffs. Tonight’s playoff game is set to begin at&nbsp;7:05pm&nbsp;CT, and will be streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://flosports.link/3pkG3Ge" target="_blank">FloHockey</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://mixlr.com/tri-city-storm/" target="_blank">Storm Radio</a>. Tickets to postseason games at the Viaero Center may be purchased online by skating to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>, or by calling the Viaero Center Box Office at 308-338-8144. Viaero Wireless is the presenting sponsor of the Tri-City Storm.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by Tri-City CommunicationsKEARNEY, NE.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Tri-City Storm is set to host Game #3 of the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals tonight at the Viaero Center against the Fargo Force after dropping the opening two games of the series at Scheels Arena. The Storm must fight off elimination tonight to guarantee tomorrow night’s Game #4 of the Best-Of-Five playoff series. Tomorrow’s “If Necessary” Game will also be played at the Viaero Center. Tickets to tonight’s playoff game in Kearney may be purchased online by skating to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>, or by calling the Viaero Center Box Office during Box Office Hours at 308-338-8144. Puck drop for tonight’s battle between the Storm and the Force is set for 7:05pm CT. Tri-City (2-3) (#4 Seed) returns home to the Viaero Center tonight following consecutive losses on the road against Fargo at Scheels Arena to open the Best-Of-Five Western Conference Semifinals series. The Storm suffered two 3-1 losses on the road and now faces elimination for the third time this postseason in tonight’s game. Ryan Smith and Nick Roukounakis netted goals for Tri-City during the road trip. The Storm has been outscored 6-2, and outshot 73-43 through the first two games of the series. The Storm’s powerplay is 0/3, and Tri-City’s penalty kill is 2/5 entering Game #3 tonight. Tri-City tied the regular season series against Fargo with a final head-to-head record of 3-2-0-1. The Storm captured five of a possible six points against the Force in a three-game home series at the Viaero Center March 15th-18th, 2024. Scoring leaders for Tri-City through the opening five games of the postseason include Artemi Nizameyev (3), Jake Rozzi (3), Nolan Roed (3), Owen Beckner (3), August Falloon (2), and Nick Roukounakis (2).Fargo (2-0) (#1 Seed) posted consecutive two-goal victories over Tri-City at Scheels Arena to take a two-game lead in this year’s Western Conference Semifinals series. The Force swept the Storm in last year’s Conference Semifinals Round, and has advanced past the Storm in three previous postseason battles over the past seven seasons. Fargo’s powerplay is 3/5, and the Force’s penalty kill is 3/3 through the first two games of the series. Goal scorers for the Force to this point in the postseason include Michael La Starza (2), Mac Swanson (1), Michael Quinn (1), Zam Plante (1), and Tate Taylor (1). Fargo enters tonight’s road game only one win away from advancing to play the Sioux City Musketeers in the Western Conference Final round of the 2024 Clark Cup Playoffs. Tonight’s playoff game is set to begin at&nbsp;7:05pm&nbsp;CT, and will be streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://flosports.link/3pkG3Ge" target="_blank">FloHockey</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://mixlr.com/tri-city-storm/" target="_blank">Storm Radio</a>. Tickets to postseason games at the Viaero Center may be purchased online by skating to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>, or by calling the Viaero Center Box Office at 308-338-8144. Viaero Wireless is the presenting sponsor of the Tri-City Storm.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Storm set to host Conference Semifinals Game at Viaero Center

Story by Supernovas Athletic Communications&nbsp;

SAN DIEGO, CA. -&nbsp;The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas (12-7)&nbsp;fell to the San Diego Mojo (8-9) in a 25-19, 17-25, 22-25, 25-21, 8-15 five-set thriller Tuesday night at Viejas Arena. The result means the Supernovas and Mojo have split the season series at two wins apiece with each team winning its home matches.

Olympian and Supernovas’ outside hitter&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;led the team with 15 kills and a season-high 19 digs. She also added one block and her league-leading 26th ace of the season. Recent Omaha signee and opposite&nbsp;Stephanie Samedy&nbsp;made her Supernovas debut, adding 12 kills on a .206 clip with 10 digs for a double-double. The Minnesota graduate also earned a block and her first ace.&nbsp;

Team captain&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;excelled off the bench on Tuesday, recording 10 kills on a .307 hitting percentage with 10 digs for her first double-double since April 4 when Omaha beat Columbus. Rookie&nbsp;Paige Briggs&nbsp;chipped in eight kills in her second career pro start.&nbsp;Jess Schaben-Lansman&nbsp;added seven kills.&nbsp;

Hristina Vuchkova&nbsp;led the middle blockers with six kills, three blocks and three digs.&nbsp;Tori Dixon&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sophie Davis&nbsp;each tallied one kill, but it was Davis who earned two blocks compared to Dixon’s one.&nbsp;

Setters&nbsp;Sydney Hilley&nbsp;and&nbsp;Natalia Valentín-Anderson&nbsp;each saw playing time as Valentín-Anderson finished with a team-high 29 assists and nine digs. Hilley added 22 assists and 11 digs. Libero&nbsp;Kendall White&nbsp;posted 15 digs and six assists.&nbsp;

The Supernovas hit .155 with 10 blocks and three aces.&nbsp;

Mojo hitter Temi Thomas-Ailara continued her good fortunes against Omaha with a match-high 22 kills and 17 digs. Two more Mojo players reached double-digit kills as opposite and lefty Willow Johnson recorded 14 kills and 15 digs while Lindsay Vander Weide totaled 11 kills and 14 digs.&nbsp;

San Diego hit .184 with a franchise-record 20 blocks and three aces.&nbsp;

Set 1:&nbsp;The Supernovas came firing out of the gate with a 6-2 lead as Schaben-Lansman chipped in a couple kills while Omaha took advantage of some Mojo hitting errors. San Diego rallied with a 3-0 run, but Briggs answered with back-to-back kills and Vuchkova won a net battle to increase the lead to 9-5. Lewis and Stone tallied consecutive kills. A 6-0 run followed to open up the set as Schaben-Lansman, de la Cruz, Vuchkova and a Briggs ace occurred in the sequence. A 3-0 Mojo run halted the momentum as Thomas-Ailara hammered down two kills. A four-hit violation ended the run, but a Thomas-Ailara kill and consecutive blocks cut the lead to 16-13. De la Cruz came up with a block and Briggs delivered her fourth kill of the set to go ahead 19-15. De la Cruz later added two more kills to give Omaha set point. A reaching over the net violation on San Diego clinched the 25-19 set one win for the Supernovas.&nbsp;

Omaha hit .174 with two blocks and one ace. Briggs and Schaben-Lansman led the offense with four kills apiece. De la Cruz added three while Vuchkova had a pair of kills.&nbsp;

San Diego hit .143 with four blocks and zero aces. Thomas-Ailara continued her effectiveness against the Supernovas with a team-high four kills in the set.&nbsp;

Set 2:&nbsp;Alison&nbsp;Bastianelli led the Mojo charge with two kills to put San Diego up 4-1. Vander Weide posted a solo block and a Johnson kill from the right pin put the lead to 6-1 Mojo to force an Omaha timeout. Briggs and Vuchkova buried back-to-back blocks. The Mojo answered with consecutive blocks of their own to hold the lead. A Vander Weide kill and ace from Johnson extended the lead to 10-3. Schaben-Lansman and Vuchkova tallied kills to make it 10-6. San Diego held the lead at 14-8, but Omaha regrouped for a 4-0 run including a trio of de la Cruz kills and a Dixon block to put the Mojo lead at 14-12. Johnson hit a crafty shot from the pin to end the Supernovas’ rally. Vander Weide came up with another block and kill to put the Mojo up 18-14. Vuchkova found the floor for a kill to keep the Mojo lead at six. Johnson used a low angle for a kill to give the Mojo set point. Thomas-Ailara finished off the set by tooling off the block to give the Mojo a 25-17 set win.&nbsp;

San Diego hit .256 with five blocks and two aces. Thomas Ailara led the Mojo with five kills while Johnson, Bastianelli, and Vander Weide each posted three.&nbsp;

Omaha hit .119 with three blocks and zero aces. De la Cruz added four kills in the set with Vuchkova and Schaben-Lansman each chipping in three.&nbsp;

Set 3:&nbsp;The woes for Omaha continued as action began in the third set with San Diego shooting out to a 5-1 lead with a Thomas-Ailara ace and two kills from Johnson. A Mojo service error ended the rally, but San Diego answered with a 4-0 run as a Ronika Stone middle attack forced a timeout at 9-2 Mojo. Briggs ended the rally with her second kill. Trailing 11-4, the Supernovas went to the bench as recent signee and opposite Samedy made her Omaha debu. She earned her first kill as a Supernovas two points later. Thomas-Ailara secured a block and kill in back-to-back points to extend the Mojo lead back to 14-6. The Supernovas gained momentum behind the bench reinforcements, building a 6-2 run behind a Samedy kill and ace to make it 16-12. Two-straight blocks from San Diego extended the lead back to 20-14, but Omaha rallied for a 4-0 run with de la Cruz, Nuneviller and Samedy each recording a kill. Thomas-Ailara hammered another kill. Samedy earned two more kills to make the score 24-22 Mojo, but the Minnesota graduate committed a service error to give the Mojo a 25-22 set win.&nbsp;

San Diego hit .135 with five more blocks and one ace. Thomas Ailara stacked five more kills to her total with Johnson and Vander Weide each adding three.&nbsp;

Omaha hit .140 with two blocks and one ace. Samedy paced the offense with six kills on a .417 clip in her debut set with Briggs adding three kills before being taken out for Nuneviller.&nbsp;

Set 4:&nbsp;The Supernovas gained their first lead since the first set with the opening two points which included one of Davis' two blocks. San Diego took advantage of two Omaha errors to tie the set up at two, but de la Cruz earned consecutive kills. Nuneviller added her first kill of the set a few points later. De la Cruz delivered another kill to make it 10-8 Omaha. Nuneviller began a 5-0 run for Omaha with a back-row kill and later secured a block. A de la Cruz service error ended the run, but the damage was done as the Supernovas led 15-9. Nuneviller added two more kills to her set total to make it 18-12 Omaha. The Mojo rallied for a 4-0 run as Johnson added a kill and the Supernovas committed a pair of hitting errors to cut the lead down to 20-18 forcing an Omaha timeout. De la Cruz got a touch for her sixth kill of the set to end the run. She followed that point by securing her league-leading 26th ace of the season. Samedy added another kill to stamp a 3-0 run and force a San Diego timeout with a 23-18 lead. Nuneviller tooled a block to make it set point Omaha before she terminated her sixth kill of the set to give the Supernovas a 25-21 set win and force a decisive fifth.

Omaha hit .213 with a pair of blocks and once ace. Nuneviller and de la Cruz were the dynamic duo as each tallied six kills in the set while Samedy added three.&nbsp;

San Diego recorded a clip of .098 with four more blocks and zero aces. Johnson earned four of the team’s nine kills in the set.&nbsp;

Set 5:&nbsp;Thomas-Ailara reentered the match and made her presence known with two kills off the bat to give San Diego a quick 3-1 lead. Samedy and Nuneviller recorded back-to-back kills to tie it up. Johnson put down another kill which was followed by an Omaha double hit to give the Mojo a two-point lead again. The two teams rallied back and forth, but San Diego gained the upper hand with a 5-0 run behind four kills and a block from Thomas-Ailara to make it 12-6 Mojo. A service error ended the run, but the Mojo’s 20th block gave them match point. Davis recorded a block, but Thomas-Ailara ended the match with her 22nd kill.&nbsp;

The Supernovas are back at home for their next match on Friday, April 26 with Omaha hosting the Grand Rapids Rise at the CHI Health Center. First serve is set for 8:30 p.m. CDT with Omaha making its debut on CBS Sports Network. Fans can also listen to all the action on the Supernovas Radio Network led by the flagship station 93.7 The Ticket.&nbsp;

Story by Supernovas Athletic Communications&nbsp;SAN DIEGO, CA. -&nbsp;The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas (12-7)&nbsp;fell to the San Diego Mojo (8-9) in a 25-19, 17-25, 22-25, 25-21, 8-15 five-set thriller Tuesday night at Viejas Arena. The result means the Supernovas and Mojo have split the season series at two wins apiece with each team winning its home matches.Olympian and Supernovas’ outside hitter&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;led the team with 15 kills and a season-high 19 digs. She also added one block and her league-leading 26th ace of the season. Recent Omaha signee and opposite&nbsp;Stephanie Samedy&nbsp;made her Supernovas debut, adding 12 kills on a .206 clip with 10 digs for a double-double. The Minnesota graduate also earned a block and her first ace.&nbsp;Team captain&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;excelled off the bench on Tuesday, recording 10 kills on a .307 hitting percentage with 10 digs for her first double-double since April 4 when Omaha beat Columbus. Rookie&nbsp;Paige Briggs&nbsp;chipped in eight kills in her second career pro start.&nbsp;Jess Schaben-Lansman&nbsp;added seven kills.&nbsp;Hristina Vuchkova&nbsp;led the middle blockers with six kills, three blocks and three digs.&nbsp;Tori Dixon&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sophie Davis&nbsp;each tallied one kill, but it was Davis who earned two blocks compared to Dixon’s one.&nbsp;Setters&nbsp;Sydney Hilley&nbsp;and&nbsp;Natalia Valentín-Anderson&nbsp;each saw playing time as Valentín-Anderson finished with a team-high 29 assists and nine digs. Hilley added 22 assists and 11 digs. Libero&nbsp;Kendall White&nbsp;posted 15 digs and six assists.&nbsp;The Supernovas hit .155 with 10 blocks and three aces.&nbsp;Mojo hitter Temi Thomas-Ailara continued her good fortunes against Omaha with a match-high 22 kills and 17 digs. Two more Mojo players reached double-digit kills as opposite and lefty Willow Johnson recorded 14 kills and 15 digs while Lindsay Vander Weide totaled 11 kills and 14 digs.&nbsp;San Diego hit .184 with a franchise-record 20 blocks and three aces.&nbsp;Set 1:&nbsp;The Supernovas came firing out of the gate with a 6-2 lead as Schaben-Lansman chipped in a couple kills while Omaha took advantage of some Mojo hitting errors. San Diego rallied with a 3-0 run, but Briggs answered with back-to-back kills and Vuchkova won a net battle to increase the lead to 9-5. Lewis and Stone tallied consecutive kills. A 6-0 run followed to open up the set as Schaben-Lansman, de la Cruz, Vuchkova and a Briggs ace occurred in the sequence. A 3-0 Mojo run halted the momentum as Thomas-Ailara hammered down two kills. A four-hit violation ended the run, but a Thomas-Ailara kill and consecutive blocks cut the lead to 16-13. De la Cruz came up with a block and Briggs delivered her fourth kill of the set to go ahead 19-15. De la Cruz later added two more kills to give Omaha set point. A reaching over the net violation on San Diego clinched the 25-19 set one win for the Supernovas.&nbsp;Omaha hit .174 with two blocks and one ace. Briggs and Schaben-Lansman led the offense with four kills apiece. De la Cruz added three while Vuchkova had a pair of kills.&nbsp;San Diego hit .143 with four blocks and zero aces. Thomas-Ailara continued her effectiveness against the Supernovas with a team-high four kills in the set.&nbsp;Set 2:&nbsp;Alison&nbsp;Bastianelli led the Mojo charge with two kills to put San Diego up 4-1. Vander Weide posted a solo block and a Johnson kill from the right pin put the lead to 6-1 Mojo to force an Omaha timeout. Briggs and Vuchkova buried back-to-back blocks. The Mojo answered with consecutive blocks of their own to hold the lead. A Vander Weide kill and ace from Johnson extended the lead to 10-3. Schaben-Lansman and Vuchkova tallied kills to make it 10-6. San Diego held the lead at 14-8, but Omaha regrouped for a 4-0 run including a trio of de la Cruz kills and a Dixon block to put the Mojo lead at 14-12. Johnson hit a crafty shot from the pin to end the Supernovas’ rally. Vander Weide came up with another block and kill to put the Mojo up 18-14. Vuchkova found the floor for a kill to keep the Mojo lead at six. Johnson used a low angle for a kill to give the Mojo set point. Thomas-Ailara finished off the set by tooling off the block to give the Mojo a 25-17 set win.&nbsp;San Diego hit .256 with five blocks and two aces. Thomas Ailara led the Mojo with five kills while Johnson, Bastianelli, and Vander Weide each posted three.&nbsp;Omaha hit .119 with three blocks and zero aces. De la Cruz added four kills in the set with Vuchkova and Schaben-Lansman each chipping in three.&nbsp;Set 3:&nbsp;The woes for Omaha continued as action began in the third set with San Diego shooting out to a 5-1 lead with a Thomas-Ailara ace and two kills from Johnson. A Mojo service error ended the rally, but San Diego answered with a 4-0 run as a Ronika Stone middle attack forced a timeout at 9-2 Mojo. Briggs ended the rally with her second kill. Trailing 11-4, the Supernovas went to the bench as recent signee and opposite Samedy made her Omaha debu. She earned her first kill as a Supernovas two points later. Thomas-Ailara secured a block and kill in back-to-back points to extend the Mojo lead back to 14-6. The Supernovas gained momentum behind the bench reinforcements, building a 6-2 run behind a Samedy kill and ace to make it 16-12. Two-straight blocks from San Diego extended the lead back to 20-14, but Omaha rallied for a 4-0 run with de la Cruz, Nuneviller and Samedy each recording a kill. Thomas-Ailara hammered another kill. Samedy earned two more kills to make the score 24-22 Mojo, but the Minnesota graduate committed a service error to give the Mojo a 25-22 set win.&nbsp;San Diego hit .135 with five more blocks and one ace. Thomas Ailara stacked five more kills to her total with Johnson and Vander Weide each adding three.&nbsp;Omaha hit .140 with two blocks and one ace. Samedy paced the offense with six kills on a .417 clip in her debut set with Briggs adding three kills before being taken out for Nuneviller.&nbsp;Set 4:&nbsp;The Supernovas gained their first lead since the first set with the opening two points which included one of Davis' two blocks. San Diego took advantage of two Omaha errors to tie the set up at two, but de la Cruz earned consecutive kills. Nuneviller added her first kill of the set a few points later. De la Cruz delivered another kill to make it 10-8 Omaha. Nuneviller began a 5-0 run for Omaha with a back-row kill and later secured a block. A de la Cruz service error ended the run, but the damage was done as the Supernovas led 15-9. Nuneviller added two more kills to her set total to make it 18-12 Omaha. The Mojo rallied for a 4-0 run as Johnson added a kill and the Supernovas committed a pair of hitting errors to cut the lead down to 20-18 forcing an Omaha timeout. De la Cruz got a touch for her sixth kill of the set to end the run. She followed that point by securing her league-leading 26th ace of the season. Samedy added another kill to stamp a 3-0 run and force a San Diego timeout with a 23-18 lead. Nuneviller tooled a block to make it set point Omaha before she terminated her sixth kill of the set to give the Supernovas a 25-21 set win and force a decisive fifth.Omaha hit .213 with a pair of blocks and once ace. Nuneviller and de la Cruz were the dynamic duo as each tallied six kills in the set while Samedy added three.&nbsp;San Diego recorded a clip of .098 with four more blocks and zero aces. Johnson earned four of the team’s nine kills in the set.&nbsp;Set 5:&nbsp;Thomas-Ailara reentered the match and made her presence known with two kills off the bat to give San Diego a quick 3-1 lead. Samedy and Nuneviller recorded back-to-back kills to tie it up. Johnson put down another kill which was followed by an Omaha double hit to give the Mojo a two-point lead again. The two teams rallied back and forth, but San Diego gained the upper hand with a 5-0 run behind four kills and a block from Thomas-Ailara to make it 12-6 Mojo. A service error ended the run, but the Mojo’s 20th block gave them match point. Davis recorded a block, but Thomas-Ailara ended the match with her 22nd kill.&nbsp;The Supernovas are back at home for their next match on Friday, April 26 with Omaha hosting the Grand Rapids Rise at the CHI Health Center. First serve is set for 8:30 p.m. CDT with Omaha making its debut on CBS Sports Network. Fans can also listen to all the action on the Supernovas Radio Network led by the flagship station 93.7 The Ticket.&nbsp;

Omaha falls to San Diego in five sets as Samedy Makes Supernovas Debut

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you for the opportunity! <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMattRhule?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachMattRhule</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Callaghan_NEB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Callaghan_NEB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HuskerCoachTW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HuskerCoachTW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Rob_Dvoracek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rob_Dvoracek</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachEJbarthel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachEJbarthel</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HuskerFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HuskerFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBR</a> <a href="https://t.co/DuQrAXe1Au">pic.twitter.com/DuQrAXe1Au</a>&mdash; Vincent Genatone (@genatone_v) <a href="https://twitter.com/genatone_v/status/1782910443041780088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Huskers add former North Platte High superstar Vince Genatone

High School Baseball - North Platte High School Vs. Aurora first pitch at 4:00

The Nebraska women’s gymnastics team will add Nya Kraus to the 2024-25 roster, the team announced Monday.&nbsp;

Kraus, a sophomore, was previously a member of the Lindenwood gymnastics team and competed in every meet for the Lions, including four in the all-around. Kraus earned NQS of 9.835 on bars, 9.880 on beam and 9.830 on floor. Her beam NQS was the highest on the team, and she was in the lineup on the event in every meet.&nbsp;

“I believe Nya will be an excellent addition to our team, and we are excited to welcome her to Lincoln,” Head Coach Heather Brink said. “She has proven her abilities and consistency in her first two years of competition. Nya is not only a talented athlete, but an awesome person and teammate. I know the experience at Lindenwood is important to her and she will always cherish it, but we are excited for what is to come. I have full confidence that Nya will excel as a Husker, and I’m looking forward to watching her shine.”

The Saskatchewan, Canada, native represented Lindenwood on beam at the second round of the NCAA Championships in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Over the course of the season, she earned two beam event titles and scored a 9.900 three times, which ties the third-highest score in Lion history.

Kraus was named a First-Team All-MIC honoree and posted impressive scores on bars (9.875) and beam (9.900) at the conference championships. On Jan. 17, she was named the MIC gymnast of the week.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska women’s gymnastics team will add Nya Kraus to the 2024-25 roster, the team announced Monday.&nbsp;Kraus, a sophomore, was previously a member of the Lindenwood gymnastics team and competed in every meet for the Lions, including four in the all-around. Kraus earned NQS of 9.835 on bars, 9.880 on beam and 9.830 on floor. Her beam NQS was the highest on the team, and she was in the lineup on the event in every meet.&nbsp;“I believe Nya will be an excellent addition to our team, and we are excited to welcome her to Lincoln,” Head Coach Heather Brink said. “She has proven her abilities and consistency in her first two years of competition. Nya is not only a talented athlete, but an awesome person and teammate. I know the experience at Lindenwood is important to her and she will always cherish it, but we are excited for what is to come. I have full confidence that Nya will excel as a Husker, and I’m looking forward to watching her shine.”The Saskatchewan, Canada, native represented Lindenwood on beam at the second round of the NCAA Championships in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Over the course of the season, she earned two beam event titles and scored a 9.900 three times, which ties the third-highest score in Lion history.Kraus was named a First-Team All-MIC honoree and posted impressive scores on bars (9.875) and beam (9.900) at the conference championships. On Jan. 17, she was named the MIC gymnast of the week.Kraus helped Lindenwood gymnastics to a 8-4 record in its final season as a program and will have two years of eligibility with the Huskers.